Protocol blunders: Do they matter?
“Protocol is protocol,” these were the words uttered by former Ambassador Reginald Dumas and other protocol experts, after the numerous protocol lapses that transpired during the State visit of His Excellency, President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, to Trinidad and Tobago in 2013. Former Ambassador Dumas expressed his disappointment in the manner with which the blunders were allowed to transpire one after the next, starting with the deplaning of His Excellency, and the First Lady, Ke Lingling.
The debacles resulted in a national debate around the ‘New Age Diplomacy,’ a term offered by another former Ambassador, with the debate being further compounded by a permanent secretary stating that the Prime Minister at that time simply applied a ‘personal touch’, relaxing the formality required for State visits.
State visits require a formal level of planning, and protocol arrangements so as to ensure a smooth engagement between the visiting delegation and the receiving delegation. We recall the matters that pervaded this particular State visit including, but not limited to:
Both Excellences deplaning without a proper an escort or umbrella;
Improper or complete lack of an order of precedence in the Ministerial greeting line;
Inadequacies at the formal State Banquet
As much as we may offer the argument that we are in a more contemporary age, and we do operate within the confines of a society seemingly less focused on refinement, the former Ambassador was absolutely correct in citing that protocol is in fact protocol, particularly in matters of State. Further, protocol exists to ensure that our formal and informal relationships are conducted with a manner of decorum to strengthen and enhance relationships.
In Trinidad and Tobago we have seen many examples of protocol blunders, missteps and faux pas, which really, if we simply follow the stated and proven guidelines, we would always err on the side of what is correct.
Whilst it is argued that protocol is both an art and a science, ceremonial protocol remains by far a science that informs and supports the art. Further, once we are engaging in ceremonial protocol, particularly for matters of State, the rules exist to guide our actions.
In such formal scenarios, guidance usually comes from the State’s authority on such matters, resident within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which includes the Chief Protocol Officer, along with a suite of protocol officials, charged with the responsibility to guide, implement, outline and ensure that matters of ceremonial protocol are adhered to, as in such circumstances, they, more than most, understand the potential impact of a negative experience on a foreign partnership. We all recall the National discourse that was sparked when a former Prime Minister, on a formal visit to India, touched the feet of Former President of India, Her Excellency Pratibha Devisingh Patil, citing a religious custom and mark of respect.
The debate on this gesture sparked many considerations, as some argued that this was simply a demonstration of custom and respect, whilst others argued that it was a demonstration of poor protocol and practice. The knowledge of Cross Cultural Awareness and communication becomes an integral part of the art, science and practice of protocol, as examples such as these based on cross culturalism will arise in many scenarios, and a working knowledge of Cross Cultural Awareness, informs one’s behavior in various interactions with those of other cultures.
The examples of protocol gaffes at various levels are numerous; however, once we are willing to understand and appreciate the fundamentals factor, that protocol exists to provide guidelines to strengthen relationships based on mutual respect, we are on the correct path.
